HOW IT WORKS

Given the number of enquiries we get for new projects, we simply aren’t able to say ‘YES’ to everyone.

If you would like to commission the Cole Coatings Workshop team to design or refinish your substrate(s), if you’re looking to collaborate on something interesting, or if you have any questions about what we do, all you need to do is get in touch via our contact page.

Before you send us a message, have a look through this FAQ and see if we can answer your query:

Q – HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR ‘X’?

A – We have base prices for cycles. Framesets start at £140 but every job varies, so every price is slightly different. For some idea of our pricing structure, have a look at our PRICE GUIDE. For anything else, non-cycle specific get in touch, our minimum price is £150.

Q – CAN I PAY THE FULL AMOUNT ON COLLECTION?

A – No. Sorry. We have a strict policy of taking a 50% non-refundable deposit when you drop off your substrate and then you settle your balance on collection.

Q – HOW’S MY PROJECT LOOKING? CAN YOU SEND ME PICS? CAN I COME SEE IT?

A – We’re very lucky to have a steady stream of work and to keep this running smoothly, we have to focus. Stopping to send updates or have visitors just delays our work. Whilst we’re waiting for paint to dry or when we’re on a coffee break, we try to post regularly on Instagram. This is the best place for you to see any works in progress.

Q – I’M JUST ROUND THE CORNER, CAN I POP IN FOR A CHAT?

A – You can for sure but you’ll need to make an appointment first ’cause we might be in the booth. Drop us an email.

Q – THE OLD CHROME ON MY BIKE IS IN GOOD NICK, CAN YOU WORK AROUND IT?

A – Whilst it is of course possible to mask off chromed elements of a frameset and paint the rest of the bike, at CCW we choose not to work with old/fatigued chrome at all. It’s important to us that the finishes leaving our workshop are the best they can be and remain uncompromised. If you wish to have your frame re-chromed before it reaches us, we recommend Allen Chrome.

Q – DO YOU ACCEPT CAKES/BEER/ANTIQUES AS PAYMENT?

A – Although we love all of these things, sadly not. We accept cash or bank transfer only.

Q – CAN YOU PAINT ME A TEST PIECE SO I CAN SEE IF I LIKE IT BEFORE I BUY IT?

A – We keep extensive colour references which are usually sufficient. If you need test panels made up of specific combinations or specialist products and effects, we can gladly do that for you. Our minimum fees will apply.

Q – HOW LONG IS YOUR WAITING LIST?

A – We’ve abolished our waiting list system since it grew to be around two years! Instead, we now finish projects in waves of 8-10 at a time. Get in touch and if we have a slot in our current wave, it’s yours. If not, we’ll put you in the next wave. Each wave takes between 4-6 weeks to complete.

Q – HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET MY PROJECT BACK?

A – We never rush a job. We take our time and make sure every detail is perfect. We aim to get your project back to you four weeks from receipt of a sound substrate - but of course turnaround times vary depending on the complexity of each finish. If ever your project is delayed, it’s because we think it can be better, not because we’re slow! We’ll keep you informed throughout if that's the case.

Q – CAN YOU ALSO PAINT MY STEM/POST/BARS?

A – Sure we can. It’ll cost you a few quid more but we’ll paint anything you like. The only things we don’t like to paint is moving componentry; chainrings an brake calipers for example.

Q – I’M NOT SURE WHAT I WANT, CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MY DESIGN?

A – Of course we can. Not a problem. This is where we excel. Give us the ideas and notes you have and we’ll work with you to get something perfect for an additional fee. You can try downloading our template and making some notes to give us an idea of what you want.

Q – CAN YOU COLOUR MATCH?

A – Yes we can. Bring along your paint chips, photos or any other references you have and we’ll mix in-house.

Q – CAN I HAVE ANY COLOUR I WANT?

A – Yes and No... The greatest and most diverse selection of colour references comes from the automotive industry so if you can make that your primary source for colour ideas, you'll be spoilt for choice. You can also use the RAL and BSC standards for colour reference if you wish. If you'd prefer a specific House of Kolor product, just let us know and we'll get hold of it for you where possible. Officially, PANTONE colours cannot be 100% accurately matched in paint so as a general rule, they should be avoided - if they're essential, we'll do our best to match in house.

Q – I’M BIG IN THE GAME, CAN YOU PAINT MY BIKE FOR FREE? YOU’LL GET LOADS OF EXPOSURE!

A – Nah mate. You’re alright. Unfortunately we can’t pay our bills with exposure so neither can you. We do however often contribute gift cards for paint projects to local events so you could always race hard and maybe win yourself a discount voucher.

Q – CAN I HAVE A QUANTITY RATE IF I GET THREE BIKES DONE AT THE SAME TIME?

A – Yes. If they’re all identical. If they’re not, it’s three different jobs and each will be priced based on its own merits.

Q – I HAVE A STICKER SET, CAN YOU USE THAT ON MY PROJECT?

A – We say 'NO' to stickers wherever we can. The represent a poor level of finishing, are not always compatible with our paint products and have a detrimental effect on the processes involved. In VERY RARE cases, we'll use original, period correct decal kits but these are the exception rather than the rule.